In this section we cover the enthymeme, the syllogism, and Toulmin Structure as introductory forms or "katas" that can be ingrained in a students thinking. The reason for this is to to establish a clear stance at the core of their rhetorical flourishes and to recognize and make succinct the central arguments in extended pieces of text.

The enthymeme is the smallest among the three structures and best suited for quick and direct assertions. It is useful in writing and casual verbal communication.

The syllogism is best suited for arguments that have right or wrong positions that can be logically determined. This makes it less ideal for rhetoric and more suited for philosophy and math.

The Toulmin structure, is best suited for written arguments and formal verbal contexts. It encourages the use of qualifiers and makes known its premises (called warrants by Stephen Toulmin).

All three are useful to the would be rhetorician. I encourage students to become proficient at using all three before determining which works best with their style of arguing.

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